Loving It / Using It Vol. 14 - Pro Naturals Moroccan Argan Hair Repair Treatment for all hair types

Tags : Home >> Product Reviews >> Hair Oils

So, Argan is the latest fad in the beauty industry, right? Every skin care products, every anti-aging formulation, every dry hair issue has answer in argan oil. I had been long thinking about getting one bottle of myself but I had so many other products to finish off before that and voila, a products lands on my door step.

This is Pro Naturals Moroccan Argan Oil. Does Morocco not sound very exotic? In fact, long time back, I had one reader, Karima, from Morocco who was in regular touch with me. It has been long since I have heard from her but if I ever do, the only thing I would ask her is to bring me dozens of argan oil bottles from there :D She once said Moroccan Argan Oil is the best and original and amazing for everything!!

Hey Karima, if you are reading this, would love to hear from you :)  

And, so, I am here today with something hopefully almost as original as it can get. Honestly, reviewing it is a real challenge because I have no idea how authentic argan oil smells or feels. I just know that argan oil is very thick in consistency but it smells a little sweet and I am not really sure if I like it!! Anyways, lets get started.

Loving It / Using It : Using It

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Ever tried #ArganOil for #haircare? Check out #review at http://goo.gl/i55d0A via @skyiseternal @pronaturalsen #perfectskincareforyou
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• Price: 43$ for 50ml

• Availability: Online Website

• Smell: It has a faint fragrance smell which does not linger for long nor affects the nose!
  

• Packaging: Comes in a dark amber colored bottle with a dropper! Btw, real argan oil breaks down on exposure to light so real ones come in dark bottles. Dropper screws on tightly so travel-friendly as well. 

• Ingredients: Well, it does not say anything about the ingredients on the packaging but in the website, it mentions Special Ingredients -100% Argania spinosa kernel oil (Pure Argan Oil), Hydro Cordium: Vegetable based amino protein (strengthener), Purely Natural Plant Control-oil: Supplies hair nutrients and provides a protection layer, Multiple Tartaric Acid Complexes: Facilitate cell rejuvenation. So, I have no idea what to make of it. As far as I have read about real argan oil, it should have only 100% Argania spinosa kernel oil mentioned on the packaging. 

• Texture: The product is thick and does feel a bit sticky after applying the product. 

• Quantity: Just one drop is enough for a shoulder length fine hair. A bit more and hair might feel weighed down. So, the product would last reallyyyy long which makes the worth a bit justified!!

• Results. So, any leave-in should be applied on just a teensy-bit damp hair. So, same goes for this. Just the right amount makes the hair extremely tangle-free and soft. In the starting when I was using it, I thought it was making the hair a bit rough. But, later on, the results changed. So, the results also depend on what shampoo and conditioner you are using. But, yes, it would not nourish your hair or make it super shiny. Because, I felt it just sits on hair instead of nourishing it. My splits returned even after the hair cut! And, dry Hair needs something else before applying this like some aloevera gel or a drop of oil. But, it does control frizz. Now whether it ends up causing product build-up is something I can not comment on!! 

Overall Verdict

So, yes, this product is worth a try because it might work out amazing on some kinds of hair as well. Also, it should not be applied on scalp, only on hair length.

Have you heard about the product? Would you like to Argan oil on your hair? 

Related Posts:

Loving / Using It Vol. 1 - Garnier Pure Active pore unclogging wash
Loving / Using It Vol. 2 - Nivea Pure Effect Total Face Cleanup
Loving / Using It Vol. 3 - Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Bath & Body Oil

My Hair Diaries - November 2012

is my hair looking rough or is it the lighting??? I washed it without using conditioner but my hair is damn soft to touch even if its not looking like that!!

Oh my gosh!! I can't really believe the year is coming to an end and yeah, I know I am gonna bore you with the countdown. I don't know why but something is in the air and its exciting and its making me happy even without me knowing what's there!!

Yeah, I am really weird!! So, lets cut the crap and proceed with my hair diary. Honestly, I am very happy with my hair this year and the way I have maintained my journal. I hope it has been of help to you as well.

What did I do in November?

• No DIY - Honestly, I have not done any DIY on my hair in terms of hair masks and I have mostly used all kinds of products on my hair but these days, its so soft and heavenly to touch. I truly love my hair with all its faults. 

• DIET - Ok, one thing which has helped my hair is DIET. Very, very important to eat properly. I am not on a weight-loss regime and I haven't started eating healthy. If you remember, I had mentioned that my diet had suffered a lot last year and it showed on my face, my body and my hair as well. Yes, it is very important to eat healthy and breakfast is important. I shall do a post separately on it.

• Hair Cuts - Another thing is I have had a lot of hair cuts this year. One very important observation I have made is that I have had a lot of split ends this year even with regular hair cuts. The only difference between this year and last year is the homemade hair masks and deep conditioning treatments I had done on my hair. So, I can positively say that JUST oiling and regularly conditioning and using an SLS free shampoo is not gonna help your hair at all. Deep conditioning and homemade hair masks do help. Since, I haven't used any professional salon range products, I can't say if they help or not.

• I have started to use Jojoba and Grapeseed oil for hair growth but its been just two or three times I have used so obviously can't say!! 

• I have been very regular this month with oiling and washing regime both in Delhi and Hyderabad. I have been using more or less many products on the hair but it hasn't suffered :) 

Products Used

• Hair Oil - Auravedic Restructuring Hair Oil + Kamini Hair Oil + Mom made + The Body Shop Polynesian Monoi Oil

• Shampoo - Kamini Shampoo

• Conditioner - L'Oreal Total Repair 5 + Liz Earle Botanical Shine Treatment + Dove Nourishing Oil Care Conditioner

I used Kamini hair oil and mom made oil at Delhi and finished Auravedic one this month and before last wash this month, I used Polynesian Monoi Oil (review coming soon). I am totally loving Kamini shampoo, in fact!!

this time I used the conditioner and leave-in as well and that's my messy side-braid night look :D

It really keeps my hair soft and prevents dryness. And, not loving the conditioner but finishing it :( I am also starting to use the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Serum from this month.

Previous Journal Entries:
My Hair Diaries - October 2012
My Hair Diaries - August + September 2012

My Hair Diaries - July 2012

My Hair Diaries - June 2012

My Hair Diaries - May 2012

My Hair Dairies - April 2012

My Hair Diaries - March 2012

My Hair Diaries - February 2012

My Hair Diaries - January 2012

The Body Shop Polynesian Monoi Oil {Product Review}

Doing product reviews in a small paragraph is awesome because it helps me get rid of products I don't have much to say about but some do deserve a proper mention.

Price: Rs 895 for 150ml

Ingredients (taken from the website)

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Emollient), Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil (Emollient), Cocos Nucifera Oil (Emollient/Hair Conditioner), Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Parfum (Fragrance), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Hexyl Cinnamal (Fragrance Ingredient), Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent) 

Pros

gets absorbed in winters when the skin is really dry

moisturizing for all skin types except dry

smells faintly of Jasmine

softens the hair and is a good hair oil

Cons

very expensive

is very greasy on skin if not winters!!

might not be enough for dry skin

My Experience

I have had this product for quite a long time. Its basically coconut oil, I believe!! Or, rather believed before I got this entire ingredient list!! I thought it smells of Jasmine and coconut blended but its actually Gardenia. Apparently, Gardenia smells just like Jasmine. 

Anyways, I used this a couple of months back when I found it too greasy to apply. But, in fact, it does get absorbed pretty quickly into the skin in winters and moisturize well. But, there is one issue. I don't think it will be enough for too dry skin. One has to follow with a mositurizer.

Otherwise, its a perfect companion for winters. Now, I also used it as a hair oil. It makes the hair really soft but I don't think I really saw any better shine. But, yes, it is expensive enough to discourage you to use it as a regular hair oil :D But, yup, one of the good buys from TBS. 

Have you used the product? How do you like it?

Other products from The Body Shop:

The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Body Scrub

The Body Shop Wooden Shaving Brush

The Body Shop Detangling Comb

The Body Shop Bath Gloves

The Body Shop Olive Body Scrub

The Body Shop Aqua Lily Body Mist

The Body Shop Cactus Brush

The Body Shop Vanilla Body Butter Duo

Some Random Product Reviews - Part II

Dove Go Fresh Face Wash

Price: Rs 150 for 100gms (approx.)

My Experience

The product is pearly white in color and smells really orangey and fresh. It is specifically for oily skin so in the yes, it did give me dry patches when I was in Delhi. But, in Hyderabad, its going on fine. 

Its not making my skin dry or stretched or anything. But, it doesn't do anything for the blackheads. Its specifically for summers, what I felt and anyway my skin is combi-dry so probably not a good product to suit me.

Lass Naturals Rose & Honey Soap Free Face Wash

Price: Rs 135 for 100gms (that's approx!)

My Experience

Ok, so this is an unheard brand for many of you but it has been there on my shelf and in the market for quite a long time.  have in fact used this product long long back in January. But, its a worth mentioning product. 

It smells of roses and the ingredients are all natural or would say skin-friendly and it has Sodium Benzoate for preservative for those who don't like parabens for whatever reason!!

Anyways, getting on to the product, its thick and gelatin-y in texture. It foams decently and cleanses really well. It doesn't dry the skin and leaves it soft enough and didn't stretch my skin in that winter month. 

It lasted me for a month so the price and quantity is decent. The only issue I found with the brand was that the packaging wasn't good at that time. But, I think they would have improved on that by now. I would definitely say that its a good product to try out!!

Auravedic Restructuring Hair Oil with Bitter Orange and Lemon

Price: Rs 250 for 100ml

My Experience

I don't really have much to say about this oil, unfortunately :( It was a very thrilling buy for me but the product turned out to be really flat. Its a thin colourless oil which smells of lemon, more or less.

It is light so should be washed off easily but the problem is that I apply a LOTT of oil so it didn't get washed off completely which was a surprise for me!! As such, I didn't find it do anything special for my hair, either!!!

Shahnaz Husain Beauty Tips

I was too lazy to write a new post today and found this ASK SHAHNAZ column in Metro Plus, The Hindu. So, I am sharing those tips here and the credit for this entire article goes to the newspaper. For those who are not aware, Shahnaz Husain is the propagator for beauty industry in India. 

Pimple Marks

• Mix rice powder with curd and scrub with this paste once or twice a week. Do not use this if you have active acne or pimples, though!! This is only for marks.
• This is a regular tip. Mix honey and lemon juice and apply on face everyday for 15 minutes. But, I would suggest the sensitive skin people to stay away from lemon and instead go for tomato or cucumber juice.
• Apply face mask of multani mitti (Indian clay), rose water and lemon juice which is again a regular tip for half hour. 

Dandruff and Greasy Scalp

• Use lemon water for last rinse. Mix juice of one lemon in half glass of water (around 200ml). And, let the hair air dry.
• Massage two table spoons of vinegar on scalp half hour before shampooing. [My Tip: Rosemary Essential Oil is amazing for dandruff!]
• Egg white helps control oily scalp so massage it twenty minutes before washing your hair. 
• Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts and yogurt in your daily diet. Drink lot of water daily. Having lemon water first thing in the morning also helps. 

Blister developed due to Mosquito bite

• Never ever scratch the bump or blister. 
• Dip a tea bag in cold water and apply it on the blister to calm it down and soothe the swelling.
• Honey, aloevera gel or apple cider vinegar can also be applied as a spot treatment. [My Tip: Light hand massage of Aloevera gel really helps!!]

Excess Sweat and Body Odor 

• Wear fresh clothes and bathe twice a day, if possible. [My tip: Make sure your clothes dry in good sun even if not direct sunlight!]
• Add one tea spoon of alum and crushed mint leaves to your bath water. 
• Tea Tree essential oil also helps with body odor and controlling sweat. Mix two drops with rose water or normal water and apply on the sweaty areas of the body using cotton ball.

What I am doing for my Skin and Hair this Winter? {Skin Care}

Btw, did I share with you guys that I am in Delhi and the weather is decidedly chilly and dry and my skin is really not doing that well without a moisturiser. Not that Hyderabad is not equally dry, though. So, how are you thinking of taking care of your skin from the onset of winters. Have you prepared it for the change in weather?

So, once upon a time when I had written about winter skin care, I had mentioned that our skin care regime starts with having a bath in a day but now I would like to change it a bit. Our skin care regime starts with how we start the day and what we eat. As it is, we take less water in winters and if the body lacks good fats, skin does tend to get dry. 

Tip #1 - Water does not hydrate your skin!!

Okay, so a very common misconception is that if we drink 10-12 glasses of water, it should be enough to hydrate the skin from inside out. Well, that is not so! Water is necessary to maintain hydration levels but not enough. So, what out body needs is good fat and omega 3 and vitamin E for keeping soft and supple. 

Solution : Load on the nut even before the winters set. If you do take any smoothies or oats or other cereals, put a spoonful of nuts in it. Otherwise, powder the nuts together and eat them with your meals once or twice a day. Another good option is flax seeds or alsi beej (in hindi). Roast them and powder them. Consume within 10 days. 

Tip #2 - Moisturize inside the shower!!

I have always recommended layering, specially in winters. But, an even better option which is helping me get through these days is moisturising inside the shower. Take your lotion with you and once you wipe yourself off, moisturize immediately. Forget the 3-minute moisturization rule. And, remember this instead. 

The skin is plump and extremely absorbent in the shower due to the heat and immediate cleansing so it drinks up the moisturiser or body oil you apply and prevents the water from escaping keeping your skin hydrated for an entire day. 

Sometimes, if your skin is extremely dry, you might need to apply the body lotion again in the later half of the day. At that time, you can use your toner and dampen your skin and then follow with the moisturiser; unless you take bath twice in a day!

Tip #3 - Sugar is your best friend right now!

Still feeling dry? Moisturising is not enough? Your skin needs regular exfoliation in the winters. And, you really do not want to use anything else right now. Sugar is hydrating as well as exfoliating so it is your best bet. I would recommend the homemade body polish which makes my skin absolutely amazing twice a week! Unless you have acne-prone skin in which case you need gentler exfoliation.

Another tip I would love to include here is that dry brushing should be a regular in your daily routine. It helps increase the skin cell turnover everyday and helps the body lotions and oils to get absorbed better in the skin. Also, it prevents the dry skin itch almost all day long.

Tip #4 - Not only hair but scalp also dries out!!

So, when you are busy taking care of your skin, do not forget that taking good care of scalp will keep the blood flowing to the follicles and promote hair growth which is generally less in the winter months. Also, scalp can get dry and tighten so I moisturise my scalp with 2-3 drops of pomegranate oil. You could also try out grapeseed oil for the oily skin or hair. 

Tip #5 - And, get going!! 

Do not ditch the early morning exercises in favor of warm blankets because it will make you lazier and prone to junk food cravings. And, in turn, cause you to accumulate more fat and make your skin dull. A fresh morning exercise can rev up your blood circulation as well making your skin well-accustomed to the weather changes. 

And, the bonus tip - Do not forget the sunscreen. Winter sun is just as strong as the summer one because UVA rays are still aging your skin.

These were my secret tips for skin and hair this winter. Now, its your turn. What are your special and secret tips for skin and hair care in winters?

Related Posts:

5 Tips for Autumn and Winter Skin Care
Suryamudra to produce heat inside your body
Tips to wake up during colder mornings

Loving It / Using It Vol. 12 - MABH Herbals Fast Growth Hair Oil

So, by now, you must surely be aware how huge a fan of hair oils I am and of hair care tips. My favourite time pass is to search out for new tips in hair care department. That is why the latest on the block is the egg hair oil I am using currently. Sounds interesting, right? Anyways, I shall discuss about this product some other time.

Let me jump right in for the current product we are here to talk about. So, this is a product by Lancy who runs the Makeup and Beauty Home blog. Apparently, this product is a concoction of a lot of herbs in a secret ratio which results in amazing hair which has given Lancy her long locks. And, no doubt, its a family secret which they have been carrying all along :)

Loving It / Using It : Using It

• Price - Rs 400 for 100ml. Really expensive!

• Availability - Online Website

• Packaging - Comes in a plastic bottle with a stopper so it does not really leak except for a few drops here and there. Might not be so travel-friendly but can not really comment on that!!

• Smells - Ok, so, here is something which I noticed that it smells a lot like the mom's oil I talked about. Well, my mum had put all the herbs she knew of in that oil, after all!! I could also smell a whiff of coconut oil but not very sure about that!! But, the smell is not really that strong that it would bother you though.

• Ingredients - It is a secret recipe but we can be assured that it is handmade and herbal.  

Usage and Results 

Well, honestly, one bottle lasted a hair oil junkie like me around 5-7 uses of heavy oiling using the regular oiling method I use. I love my hair oiled like a frying pan!! So, the oil does prove expensive in the long run. Anyways, I think I should have taken a before and after pic just to keep a record of how much has the product helped in hair growth.

But, then, I do not think there was any significant hair growth so can not really comment on that. As regards to how it treated my hair, well, there was no change in hair fall either. Lately, my hair has been falling in a larger quantity but then remember that there is comparatively more hair fall in the fall months because of the hair growth cycles. The resting hair falls to make way for new hair. And, hair growth is less in these months due to dry and cold weather.  

As regards to other results, unfortunately the conditions are too variable for my hair right now! My shampoo does not suit me, hair is dry and lanky and frizzy, conditioner is not in my routine and any hair mask has been abandoned since years!! So, any hair oil making a major impact immediately is going to go on my highly-coveted list but for now, this hair oil also fails to make that mark. I wish I could use it more to review it better. 

My Verdict

Well, I would say that the product better be used before any opinion is formed about it. I am kind of confused about it but then it is a completely herbal product which has showed promising results for many others.

So, what do you think? Have you used the product? How did you find it? Do you also feel that hair growth is affected by a lot of factors and it is difficult to form an opinion about a certain product sometimes? What are your tips and tricks for hair growth and healthy hair care?

Related Posts:

Loving It / Using It Vol. 11 - Omved Purifying Shampoo Brahmi & Peppermint for all hair types
Loving It / Using It Vol. 10 - Vaadi Herbals Face & Body Scrub with Walnut and Apricot
Loving It / Using It Vol. 9 - Le Beurre Shea Butter Body Cream Vanilla

Loving It / Using It Vol. 11 - Omved Purifying Shampoo Brahmi & Peppermint for all hair types

Sometime in between flipkart had discontinued selling my favourite Organic Surge shampoo and I was looking around to see if I could get used to something else!! And, then, Omved people sent out their product to check out.

I was excited to try it out because of the fact that they are a completely organic brand and I have loved their body oil which I had reviewed earlier. And, I have overshot the reviewing time (again!) but I have used the product so thoroughly and almost to the last drop!! Now, I am not really sure if I love the product because I have had variable results with it, honestly!

Loving It / Using It : Using It

Shampoo - Ingredient List

• Price - Really expensive!! A bottle would last 2-3 months depending on your hair length.

• Availability - Online shop

• Smells bad. Actually, I do not like it at all. It is supposed to smell of rosemary and  but it smells really weird. 

• Packaging - I like that the shampoo comes in a aluminium sort of bottle with a pump but unfortunately for me, the pump really didn't work so I had to unscrew the top and use it. It was inconvenient. The conditioner comes in a glass bottle with a pump which worked perfectly and does not give up a large amount of product. I like to think it is travel-friendly but I have not really travelled with it. 

• Has to be followed with a conditioner.  

Conditioner - Ingredient List

Usage 

Only one dollop of shampoo is really necessary for a shoulder length hair. And, I have noticed that it works best to dilute the product with water. It lathers a lot for a SLS free product and it works really well to remove the oil in the hair. 

But, if you do not dilute it with water, the shampoo dries out  the hair and makes it straw-like and frizzy and over time, the hair quality deteriorates. And, it is extremely important to follow up with the conditioner otherwise the hair is generally dry!

I use almost 10 pumps of the conditioner but so much of quantity is not really necessary. But, it softens the hair pretty much because the shampoo leaves it a lot dry and gives a bit of shine to the hair. And, one bottle will last about 20 washes for a mid-waist length hair. Even after using the conditioner, one has to use leave-in.

My Verdict

It does make the dry hair more drier so I would not say it is suited for all hair types. Oily hairs would find it better than the dry haired gals. And, don't forget your hair conditioner and the leave-in.

Have you used the product? How did you like it? Do share your experience with any other product you might have used from Omved!

Related Posts:
Loving It / Using It Vol. 9 - Le Beurre Shea Butter Body Cream Vanilla
Loving It / Using It Vol. 7 - Madara Colour and Shine Shampoo for Colored / Treated Hair
Loving / Using It Vol. 6 - Vaadi Herbals Chandan Kesar Haldi Face Pack

Are these factors causing hair fall for you and how you can work around them? {Hair Care}

A lack of an entire year of hair care and now I am sporting a shoulder length hair which I can not tie neither can I flaunt because it frizzes out crazily! And, facing a major amount of hair fall.

That reminds me that I get an insane amount of mails that everyone is facing a major amount of hair fall and I am not really mocking anyone, mind you. I am just trying to address a problem here. No one really specifies what major amount? Actually, does any one really know how much amount of hair falling is actually called a hair fall issue gone out of hand. 

How much hair fall can be called a hair fall problem?

Officially, everyday we can expect up to around 150-200 hairs coming out of the hair which if we look in a bunch would obviously look a lot!! And, this value can actually vary depending on our diet intake, lifestyle, stress, climate, lack or excess of exercise, lack of omega 3's and good fats in the system and what not!! Its not really easy to make out what is happening to hair and our internal body. Well, that is why probably yoga is one of the most preferred ways to keep body in balance. So, let me just try to write down what can be the most immediate factors for major hair fall in the body.

If you have a continuous hair fall of copious amount for more than two months under variable conditions, then probably it is something to pay attention to. But, again, may be you are pregnant or going through post-partum period or have been recovering from a major shock or change in your life. See what I told you - hair is damn fickle!!

May be you have thyroid or diabetes or anything else? 

Do check out with your doc and get some blood tests done and rule out the more serious health conditions. Thyroid is more often than not the culprit but then you can get yourselves scanned for cancer also, just in case!! Better to safe than sorry. And, then, do check out for antibiotics you are taking. They can weaken your immunity to an alarming rate and hair is the first to show such symptoms.

Oh btw, the list does not end here. Do you have PCOS or PCOD? Or, may be anaemia? Or, your body is basically using all its resources somewhere else. Hair and skin are the last organs to be given nutrients as they rank pretty low on the major organs list of the body so they are the first to show any symptoms of problem in the body. 

Do you have fine hair? 

Ok, this is a sad news for all those fine hair owners. Fine hair is more prone to hair fall than the thick hair counterparts. Now, I am not sure if it is because of the breakage or weak roots, both of which mean weak hair.

Keep changing your parting

If you have been parting your hair or your hair gets parted automatically at the same place, beware that the said area is a potential bald spot zone. It is prudent to keep changing your hair part often to encourage hair growth at all the hair lines. This can, especially, increase the female pattern hair baldness problem. Keep changing the part from extreme left to extreme right. 

Similarly, if you tie your hair constantly in one place, it is a good habit to sport different hair styles. Tying hair or sporting same hair style everyday at the same place creates strain and weakens the hair at that spot so it breaks off easily. So, if you are braiding the hair, leave it in a ponytail next day. 

Improper Diet

Well, isn't diet the most obvious cause of any issue in the body? Lack of iron, lack of sulphur, lack of zinc, lack of magnesium or potassium, lack of good fats, lack of Vitamin A or B family or C or even D, anything can result in hair fall. Vitamin B family is way too important for hair growth whether it is a biotin or folic acid.

Also, lack of protein causes the hair to lose volume and become lanky. Lack of water makes hair lose all the shine and bounce. So, ultimately, it is the food which makes our hair look amazing. So, get your diet to include some eggs, green leafy veggies and fruits. Basically, eat everything and make your plate as colourful as possible!

So, this was just a basic round up of all the reason which might cause severe hair fall. Let us discuss more about them some other time. What all other reasons will you attribute to hair fall? Do add your comments :)

Related Posts:

Update on Onion Juice for Hair Growth - Part II
Why not shampoo everyday?
Do you warm up the oil before applying?

My Hair Diaries - October 2012

What did I do in October?

As such I have not done anything great in this month but yup, I did try to maintain my alternate day routine of oiling and washing the hair. Well, ok, skipped oiling quite a lot of times but kept up with washing part to keep the hair clean. No DIY again!! 

After using the Kamini treatment last month, my hair did become a lot softer and less dry. But, this time I changed the products except for the shampoo. Also, I did order Basil essential oil which is also supposed to be great for hair growth and jojoba and grapeseed oils which again are supposed to be amazing for hair.

One DIY which I tried was using vinegar as last rinse but I don't know if it really helped. Forgot to take the snaps that day!! Also, ordered Organic Surge finally and also got a pair of flats!! Never got footwear online....hope it fits ok!! Will share it with you when my camera gets ok :)

Products Used

• Soul Tree shampoo + Kamini Shampoo

• L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Hair Mask + Liz Earle Botanical Shine Treatment

• Rustic Art Aloevera gel (for hair length) + DIY Aloevera Scalp Gel (for scalp) + The Body Shop Polynesian Monoi Oil (a drop is enough)

• Forest Essentials Sesame Oil (for scalp) + The Body Shop Polynesian Monoi Oil (for the length)

What do you think about my hair this month?

Related Posts: 
My Hair Diaries - August + September 2012

My Hair Diaries - July 2012

My Hair Diaries - June 2012

My Hair Diaries - May 2012

My Hair Dairies - April 2012

My Hair Diaries - March 2012

My Hair Diaries - February 2012

My Hair Diaries - January 2012

High Frequency Treatment for Hair {Hair Care}

Some time back, I remember reading a reader's query regarding what is high frequency treatment and where to get these treatments. So, I thought of doing a post on this. I have been planning it since long but I was too lazy. Thanks for the push, dear reader :) And, I am sorry that I couldn't reply to the query personally.

I had come to know about this treatment in 2009 when I went to Lakme for Vital Indulgence. The name might sound really fancy but the entire thing is very simple. Now, if you remember the color spectrum which we has studied in physics, red has least frequency and blue or rather violet has most, right?
Similar principle applies here as well. What they do in this treatment is use high frequency light on the scalp. No, it doesn't hurt or anything. At max, if your scalp is very sensitive, you might feel a little spark shock for a moment. For that, you can get the strength of the frequency adjusted so that you are comfortable with it.

The instrument either in form of a comb or a single rod which is in fact a glass electrode which when placed in the holder creates the low current and lets it flow through it. You can see the blue light in the electrode. When the electrode touches the scalp, you feel a light tingling sensation and a very comfortable and soothing vibration on the scalp. 

High-frequency treatment uses low-current high-frequency alternating currents, delivered via a glass electrode. Because the high frequency current converts some of the oxygen in the air into ozone, the treatment has a germicidal action, and is also drying and warming. Consequently the treatment is used to aid healing, and also to help desquamation (the skin's natural exfoliation), and simulate sweat and sebaceous glands.

At up to 250,000 Hz frequency, the hollow glass electrode behaves like a glow discharge tube, and is sometime called a "violet ray" or "violent wand", (though the colour depends on the gas in the glass). Two electrodes are not required, and sparking may occur when the electrode is close to the skin. Because the effect may be pleasurable, similar devices are used in erotic electrostimulation. [Source: Wikipedia]

This comb is moved on the entire scalp. The treatment generally last for 15 minutes. The advantages of doing this treatment is that the high frequency kills any bacteria or other foreign bodies on the scalp preventing any scalp infection. The scalp has to be healthy for a healthy hair growth, right?

Moreover, the tingling and the vibration improves the blood circulation in the scalp and helps revitalizing the dormant hair follicles. This leads to better hair growth, controls hair loss, helps with dandruff issues as well. Also, the treatment in done in the hair spas so as to ensure better absorption of the treatment serums like hair growth serum or dandruff serums.

In fact, Punam also told me that this treatment is available for skin as well. It helps with breakouts and acne. The electrode is touched on the breakout and the effect is almost immediate. The pimple/acne is gone by the end of day or two. But, she also said that once we stop taking this treatment, the acne does come back. So, its kind of a curable treatment rather than a preventive measure.

I did think that whether its the same case with the hair as well but I think its more of a helpful treatment for hair because it can revive the dormant hair follicles which once revived and taken care of are not likely to become dormant again. It also helps relieve itchy scalp.

That's my theory and I might be wrong but one of my friend has attested that one entire sitting (which includes 4-8 treatments depending on the severity of the condition) of the dandruff treatment hair spa has really stopped her age-old problem of dandruff. So, guess, it might really work. 

I do have a feeling that it does work. Yes, I would recommend this treatment especially for the brides who are interested in getting hair growth or preventing hair loss. Its not that expensive either. Do check out the rates across all salons. Have you taken the treatment? How did you like it?

Hard Water affecting Hair? {Hair Care}

A couple of days back, I received two-three queries as to how to control hair fall due to hard water. When we shift places and go to a new place, hair fall is kinda inevitable. The change in climate, water, air, everything affects the hair. But, water is the most common reason for damaged hair texture and hair fall. You can not make the water soft so what you can do is try out a few tricks which might help. 

Use mineral water or boiled water only

This is the most common way to soften the water. Using the water from the mineral water bottles. But, honestly, affording that much is not exactly easy. But, more often than not, you will definitely find aqua guards at the water taps. So, use that water and remember to have enough of aqua guard water in reserve while having shower.

This is something which you can easily do when you are staying in a hostel. More often than not, hostels have bore well water which is extremely hard and harsh on the hair. Boiled water also helps but the problem is having enough of water which has been boiled and cooled down for the reserve. You will probably need 4-5 buckets :D

Shower Filters

I have read a lot about them that they can help filter out certain chemicals right from the tap or the showers so you might use them. Apparently, there are a lot of varieties of shower filters available but the problem is availability. I don't know if they are as easily available and affordable and not overtly expensive. But, you can try going around the bathroom accessory shops. 

Use Deep Conditioning Treatments Regularly

Unfortunately, the hard water makes the hair much like straw. So, deep conditioning treatments are very important. Invest in salon range products for regular usage and go for egg and yogurt treatments once a week, if possible. Also, a monthly hair spa does help, provided you can afford it. Also, make sure, you are doing hot oil treatment regularly. 

Make sure there is No Residue

Make sure you do not use any styling tools and products because they can create a lot of residue. If you do, don't forget to use a clarifying shampoo or add a tea spoon of vinegar once a month to your shampoo and wash your hair. And, avoid chemical treatments like rebonding and coloring till you are sure your hair has accommodated to the change.

I know I have not answered the question on how to prevent the hair fall but honestly, its something which one can't do unless the hair has accommodated to the change. Using an SLS-free shampoo might help. What do you think? How do you deal with hard water? And, how do you manage your hair in hard water? Looking forward to your tips :)

Hair Care during and after Pregnancy {Pregnancy}

A normal, healthy person sheds about 50 to 100 (or up to 200 because of the lifestyle choices) strands of hair every day, and most of these hairs grow back. A healthy hair has a life cycle of about three to six years, depending on your termination length. Hair loss becomes a problem when the hair do not grow back or when hair sheds at an abnormally rapid rate (several hundreds hairs per day), the latter case generally seen during pregnancy.

A hair's life has three phases - growing phase, maturing phase (in which it stops growing and follicles prepare for resting phase) and resting phase. Thus, even the actively growing hair may go into the resting phase. This occurs because of an increased amount of estrogen (called happy hormones) in the body. Increased number of hairs enter the resting phase, disturbing the normal hair growth and loss process and causing more hair than usual to fall out.

During pregnancy, the body's resources are more necessary for the foetus development so the external functions of the body which are not directly related to the regulation of body functions are temporarily suspended. My experience was really weird during pregnancy. Even when I got my hands waxed, I couldn't see any growth for many months which was great but I also noticed hairs on my scalp were comparatively thinner.

So, I asked my husband for advice and I am sharing all of them with you.

• Improve intake of vitamin C : Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen which in turn supports hair follicles and keeps blood vessels in the scalp healthy.

• Improve intake of Protein : Hair is 95 percent protein and a diet too low in protein may cause hair loss.

• Step up your Silica intake : An adequate intake of silica is thought to prevent baldness and stimulate hair growth. Silica is present in substantial amounts in a wide range of foods, including strawberries, green and red peppers, miller, barley, wheat, cucumbers, oats, rice, bean sprouts, potatoes.

• Iron : Hemoglobin is needed for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the other tissues in the body, including hair. An undisrupted supply of oxygen is necessary for healthy hair. So eat more spinach & beet root which will improve your iron intake as well.

Since he is a doctor, his main focus is always a better diet to fulfil all the nutritional deficiencies. Hope this helps you all :) Do let me know how you like the post.

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Thanks a lot, Punam, for this helpful post. Isn't having a doctor at disposal amazing? I do think so but she says its quite overwhelming sometimes because of the amount of obsession they have towards hygiene and health!! Well, that's also probably true. Do check out her review on Auravedic skin polish.

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Shampoo on Dry Hair {Hair Care}

This is probably one of the really good tips of hair care. Basic chemistry states that oil and water do not mix together. So, this principle applies when wahing off hair as well. If you wet the oiled hair or even non-oiled hair (it has natural oils), the shampoo doesn't react well with it and the hair more or less remains dirty. 

Since commercial shampoos are filled with surfactants, they are strong enough to clean the hair but the SLS-free shampoos generally end up not cleaning the hair properly. So, how to use the shampoo on dry hair? Take a dollop or two of your shampoo in a small container and add just a fist ful of water to it. Dilute it nicely and shampoo your hair just as you would.

Always try to shampoo twice if your hair does get exposed to lot of sun and pollution. First wash only cleans the scalp partly and the second it to make the scalp squeaky clean. And, by squeaky clean, I don't really mean that it should squeak but a clean scalp and hair is very important for healthy hair. If you tend to stay inside more, one wash is generally enough and you can do it twice in once a week.

So, don't forget this tip next time you hop into the shower. It generally happens with me that I remember this when I pour water over my head so don't make that mistake ;)

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My Hair Diary - September 2013

So, this month also I did not really concentrate on my hair. I got a hair cut in August and now I am just trying to prevent the split ends. I did not even oil my hair religiously. Its more of a washing your hair routine after coming from the office.

I hate sleeping with oil on my hair coz it stains the pillows and everything badly. And, most of the time, I wash my hair on the weekdays so there was no time for pampering. Also, I tried to use a shampoo which was totally not suiting me. Its not worth talking about so lets skip it but it did give me hair fall while I used it.

So, once I stopped using it, my hair was back to normal. So, if you are looking to change your shampoo be very very sure. Also, I have ordered Organic Surge shampoo back again as it had suited me so well. And, I am loving the conditioner as well. I can suggest it but I am not gonna review it anytime soon.

Yes, one treatment which I gave my hair in this last month was regularly using aloevera gel on the scalp and the body of the hair instead of using any oil. Why? Well, one is for a change and second, I think the oil was weighing my hair down the next day.

But, I would absolutely suggest this aloevera gel treatment. It gives such a beautiful definition to your curls and following with a drop of oil leaves your hair bouncy and next day the hair does not even end up weighed down. And, the hair is sooooooooo soft to touch.

What products I used?

• Shampoo - Kamini Shampoo

• Conditioner - Kamini Conditioner + Organic Surge Color Protect Conditioner

• Hair Oil - Vaadi Herbals Amla Oil

• Hair Treatment and Styling - Aloevera Gel

So, how is your hair doing now? 

Related Posts:

My Hair Diary - August 2013
My Hair Diary - July 2013
My Hair Diaries - June 2013

My Hair Diaries - August + September 2012

that's my hair after the hair spa...totally loving my curls :)

So, another month gone and we are fast approaching 2013. How time flies, right? Anyways, you might have noticed the missing hair diary of August. That was because I had completely ignored my hair in August and my hair was all rough and dry.

What I did in August?

Honestly, I am not able to recall what I did with my hair in August. But, I am pretty sure, I had completely ignored my hair. Anyway, I did go for hair cut on 31st August. And, I did finish off some left over products like Biotique Flame of the Forest and Kama Brigandi Oil. Had been using the Kamini shampoo only and finished the Dove Color Rescue Conditioner. Yup, I am not doing any DIY on my hair right now :(

What about September?

• I had to start with the Kamini treatment I was doing again because my hair was all rough and dry and I wanted it to be a little better. I had been more or less consistent with it.
• Got TWO hair spas done this month. Second one was way better than the first but still I think it was too much. But, yup, I am up for at least once a month pampering for hair. In fact, already planned a hair spa (and, the real spa) for this month :)
• No DIY again!!! But, one of the girls told me to apply egg every week on at least the scalp. So, guess, will be starting with that. 
• Oh, totally forgot to write about my another hair cut on 30th September. Got almost two inches off. My mom would be shocked :-o Had to trim coz there were a lot of splits. 

Products Used

• Kamini Treatment Oil + Tonic
• Soul Tree Shampoo (not yet decided about the product!!)
• Dove Color Rescue Conditioner
• Aloevera Hair Growth Gel DIY

Related Posts:
My Hair Diaries - July 2012

My Hair Diaries - June 2012

My Hair Diaries - May 2012

My Hair Dairies - April 2012

My Hair Diaries - March 2012

My Hair Diaries - February 2012

My Hair Diaries - January 2012

Is your scalp sensitive? {Hair Care}

Ohk, so, on Sunday, I went for another hair cut coz my splits were not eliminated in the August hair cut!! On an impulse, I also got a hair spa done. Yup, I know my last was probably two weeks back only!!! But, that was something which I didn't really enjoy but this was better and inexpensive as well (when compared to the previous one).

There, I asked the girl to observe and comment on the condition of my scalp so she replied that my scalp is sensitive. I asked her how did she come to know about that. And, this is what she said - 

If you touch your scalp and can feel it to be soft, it is sensitive. The scalp is not soft or supple like skin, in fact its generally hard, but you might feel it to be a little spongy, especially on the areas where you might have had excess of hair fall. You might want to compare your bald spots/hair fall areas to the areas where there is no hair issue at all. Also, if you ever felt that your hair hurts, you are sure to have a sensitive scalp.

I don't know if this test is actually genuine or not coz I did try to google it out but couldn't really find any leads on it but yup, there are soft spots on the scalp and hair hurting thing is very much valid. I just wanted to share this information as I found it interesting. So, what do you say? Do you find it creditable or is it just a way to lure the customers? And, did you try to find any soft spots on your scalp? Waiting for your comments so go down and write them away :)

My Hair Diary - September 2014

Huh...I miss doing these series the most and guess what, there are only 12 of these posts in a year! And, this is the 10th month of the year and next month would be my first wedding anniversary. Gosh, how time flies! Soon, I will be the old bride :(

Anyways, this year has been really tough on my hair. If you actually notice there are only four hair diaries this year - January, February, June and now this one! So, let me just list down what I did which is not really much!

• Hair Cut - Totally cut off the entire length to get rid of the splits and straw-like ends. Mr. Hubs was a little peeved with it, though! But, I think the new length suits me differently. Will post the snaps soon enough :) 

• Oiling - Have been more or less diligent about it. And, mixing castor oil in the regular oil as well. 

• Massaging - Recently, I have been feeling a lot of pain in my hair roots. So, a light massage really helps calm down the scalp. And, regular massage helps the hair to grow. 

So, that is it! Not really much but it is a start :) Now check out the products I used:

• Hair Oil - Kamini Oil + Dabur Olive Oil + Castor Oil

• Shampoo - Omved Shampoo (review coming soon)

• Conditioner - Omved Conditioner (but only 2-3 times, review coming soon)

• Scalp Treatment - Aloevera Gel

• Leave-in - Morrocan Hair Treatment (review coming soon)
  

What all did you do for your hair this month?

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My Hair Diary - September 2013
My Hair Diary - August 2013
My Hair Diary - August 2013

Yay..my hair style stayed for an entire 5 hours!!!

I had mentioned long back that my hair is very ill-behaved and I am especially horrible in keeping hair styles for more than half hour. But, today for the first time, my hair really stayed in one hair style so that makes me soooooo happy :) No, it wasn't any intricate style. It was a simple side pony and my bangs were secured with pins so that they don't fly off in the auto!!! Still, it happened and then while watching the movie, my hair did get a bit spoiled due to rubbing with the seat back. Yes, I often sleep off in the halls :D No, I didn't sleep but I was irritated!!! But, my hair did get weighed down by the end of the day :( Gotta do something about that. Any ideas??? 

On a side note, if you are wondering which movie got me irritated, it was Heroine. Aaarghhh...I could kill MB for making such a movie and for the especially lame ending. May be it was befitting but I would have rather preferred a more ironic ending!!! First glitch was that all bits and pieces were borrowed from various movies and real life scandals and then woven into a script which was all broken and inconsistent. Second, the protagonist is weak, completely without a shred of backbone and determination, keeps on crying in the entire movie and not taking a strong footing at any point of time which is pretty irritating. Yes, I can imagine what she was going through but unfortunately, you can hardly feel as if you are involved in her story coz its too fantastic. Its not realistic at all like Page 3 or something which actually makes someone expect a lot from the movie. So, lets just say that watch it when it gets released on the television but definitely not worth wasting money to watch on big screen. The best part of the movie was Randeep Hooda who did a fantastic job (it can be called a guest appearance). Except for that, I guess the movie was loosely hanging. I often felt like it would break into the Mar Jawaan track from Fashion. Yes, its too close to fashion but the later was much better.

Did you watch it yet? Do share your views on the movie. And, of course, the hair style tips too :)

Spinach Banana Health Drink {Health Recipe}

the ingredients mentioned makes half a drink-sized glass

So, this is a long pending post. I had prepared this when I was at home in June. I won't say it was damn awesome or something but yes, it was definitely not bad. Let's check out the ingredients first. And, then, talk about it.

Ingredients

• 10 spinach leaves
• 1/2 banana
• water (just a bit)

Method: Blend them in a mixer. That's it!!

Taste: Ok, I am sure not everyone would like it coz it has that raw leaf taste of the spinach. But, I don't mind that raw taste so I totally loved it. But, mom said that spinach leaves are first blanched and then made into the smoothie so shall give that variation a try. You can try it out as well :)

Have you ever tried any such drink?

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